Ok that will be the next weekend project thank you does anyone know how much those new cad cost?

 

they can be had from dorman and others for 75-100+. even if yours is not working, they often only need cleaning. if yours is completely toast, consider a posilok cable for manual control for 125ish.

 

I'm going to offer a different set of steps to tracking down the inoperable 4wd and that is to verify all the vac line system is intact. If this isn't working properly, then it doesn't matter what is going on in the CAD unit.

Since the OP is not interested in the Posi-lok due to funds, then he needs to make sure the vac lines work as they should. Only after going through that should a further look be done to the CAD parts themselves. From the actual incident of needing 4wd he didn't indicate anything more severe going on (i.e., clunking, grinding, etc.). Of course, he could have just left that out too.

Completely irresponsible to put him down a path without more concrete troubleshooting that has a higher potential of problems, like those darn CAD bolts. Would hate for him to open up and find out that the shift fork and such are fine. Just saying to handle the easier stuff first.

Here is an additional couple links to help get situated with the entire vacuum system that has an impact on engaging the front axle.

http://www.4x4wire.com/dodge/tech/solid_axle_cad/

http://articles.mopar1973man.com/gen...roubleshooting


Rock Auto part for the actuator only: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...parttype,10456

 

Front drive line always spins

 

no offense, but the vac was covered in post #2.
<< step 1 - fix the vac first. >>

since he's still asking, i assume he covered that.

 

Things like this have been stated numerous times only to have them come back and say...they did find a leak.

Most people don't realize how many vac lines are involved. Your post lacks how to be thorough on checking the vac first (at CAD, at hard lines, at tcase, at intake manifold, and all in between), imo.

Just how I read it. This is a common problem and anyone else that comes along to read this should know to be thorough is not just focusing on the CAD. Only they will know the circumstances of when the realized the front axle no workie.

 

There was no weird or odd unwanted noises coming from anything when I had the
Tcase in gaged in 4high or 4low the 4wd lever shifts down into these
Positions with no trouble I don't have to use to hands to shift the tcase.

I did check the lines no vacume leaks anywhere.

Now what I did notice is when I got under the truck is I grabbed the actuator and was able to move it freely up and down like a sliding motion.

Is it suppose to do that or be a tight snug fit and shouldn't move at all?

 

The only parts that should move are INSIDE. If you get wiggly parts on the outside, you just found your problem.

 

i think the diaphragm thingy will rotate.

here's a good how-to guide on troubleshooting.
http://articles.mopar1973man.com/gen...roubleshooting

 

I have the same issue except I have checked my vacuum at the actuator and it only gets vacuum on the black line no matter what position my transfer case is in. Could it be the vacuum/indicator switch on the transfer case. I have not messed with that before how does it operate. I am getting very frustrated right now. Any help would be appreciated.